A outstanding Near Eastern carved lapis lazuli cosmetic jar, c. 2nd Century BC, the shoulders adorned with three rows of detailed avian head, each with large eyes. The base of the jar smooth with flattened base, the neck very narrow with flared mouth. A beautiful vessel carved from extremely high quality lapis lazuli whose source is Afghanistan. H: 2 5/8" (6.7 cm). One of the small heads now lost, minor age cracks. Ex Derbyshire, England Private Collection.